Main Street Enid Celebrates 10 Years!

New retail committee formed to address and promote retail businesses downtown

Building facade renovations continue

Main Street Enid sponsors an historic building coloring contest for Enid Public School children

OETA films Main Street Enid for state television show

Letter from 2004:

Main Street Enid has designated 2004 as "The Year of Retail." We are reminded of how important it is to maintain a positive attitude, to be receptive to new ideas and to always view the glass as half full, even though it may, on some less than perfect days, appear as only murky pond water.

Ten years ago, I sat in a meeting at The Continental Towers Ballroom and listened to a new idea called Main Street. I remember Gary Hulse and others making an enthusiastic, convincing case to invest in this course of action at a time when there was a real need for a sense of direction for downtown Enid. Looking back, it would be difficult to imagine anyone foreseeing the amount of positive progress that has come out of this venture: first class landscaping with excellent maintenance; many old buildings restored to reveal their historic architecture; and the creation of special events like Enid Lights Up the Plains, Jazz on the Main and Oktoberfest, all designated to draw people to our charming downtown.

The current program manager Lindy Chambers, along with the help of her wonderful staff, and many, many tireless volunteers, has worked to make an outstanding list of achievements no only beneficial for downtown retail, but for the entire city. In fact, Enid was a Great American Main Street Award winner in 2001, one of only five communities nationwide to receive this honor.

I am pleased to be serving with the dedicated professionals that make up Main Street Enid, and I hope to continue to build on the success of this worthwhile group. Main Street Enid has terriffic foundation to continue the work that began ten years ago. Congratulations and thanks to all who have contributed.

Months after Lynn Smith purchased 220 and 222 W Randolph, he began this amazing facade transformation, removing the solid front, exposing and renovating the original character of the historic building.

Main Street Enid really started rolling in 1995 with more projects!The Streetscape Improvement Project resulted in a wonderful new sidewalk for the 100 block of West Randolph.

Another improvement project was the creation of the Randolph Mid-Block Walkway, located at 214 W Randolph. It was once home to a variety of different businesses including J&J Grocery (1926), Simons Paint Store (1938-1950) and Wilson Mattress Factory (1987-1995).The City of Enid purchased the building in 1995 and collaborated with Main Street Enid and local architecture firm, Corbin Associates, to create a pedestrian walkway. The award-winning design incorporates part of the original 1920 brick facade with a lighted pedestrian thoroughfare.

These photos show progress on one of four facade improvements in 1995. This is at 117 N Grand, current home to GYM.

Most photos above are courtesy of Lynn Smith Photography.

You are welcome to add a comment, question or what you remember downtown 1995!

In 1994, a small group of progressive downtown business owners initiated the revitalization of downtown Enid. Gary Hulse, Lynn Smith, David Hume, Bob Berry and Todd Humphrey wanted to preserve their community.The livelihood of downtown could not solely rely on retail business. "We wanted downtown to represent a focal point for all of Enid," said Hulse. "Members of the community take ownership in downtown," added Smith, "they think of downtown ans their downtown and they take pride in it.In order for downtown Enid to be a destination spot once again, it needed a viable framework for an organized approach, and the application to become a Main Street community was accepted. Armed with a preserving spirit and led by a national organization, downtown Enid began its journey to revitalization when Main Street Enid opened its doors in June, 1994.The same year, the very first Enid Lights Up the Plains, the community event the kicks off the Christmas season was created for residents and visitors to enjoy downtown Enid!Lynn Smith took the initiative to renovate the facade of his building that housed his professional photography studio at 126 S Independence. This was the beginning of many facade renovations to come!